Photographer Credit – Lisa Thompson (Dark Moon Productions) L-R – Adam Hansen (Guitar), Dylan Gunnell (Vocals), Paulo Ferraz (Bass), Jer Renaud (Drums)
Sophomore EP “The Greatest Divide” Out April 2025
Marble Ghosts, the Canadian boundary pushing ensemble known for their distinctive blend of metal, grunge, and punk influences, has announced their highly anticipated second EP “The Greatest Divide” set for release on April 4, 2025. The band comments on the first, explosive single “Distance Between”:
“From the opening lyric of the EP, “Here we are in the greatest divide”, the songs explore the ever-growing rift between almost every part of modern-day society. From the rich and the shrinking middle class to widening gaps in political and religious ideologies, the EP was inspired by our reality.”
Musically, the single shows off its punk-metal roots, never relenting from beginning to end. The biting rapid-fire verses meet the band’s characteristic soaring choruses. The band shows off its guitar chops with a blistering solo that perfectly matches the song’s energy. The song crescendos with another feverish solo over top desperate screams.
The EP and the single are recommended for fans of Alter Bridge, Shinedown, and Saint Asonia.
4/05 – The Event at Graton Resort & Casino – Rohnert Park, CA 4/25 – Ruth Eckerd Hall – Clearwater, FL 4/26 – Fillmore – Miami Beach, FL 4/28 – The Moon – Tallahassee, FL 4/29 – Florida Theater – Jacksonville, FL 4/30 – Hard Rock Live – Orlando, FL 5/03 – Beaver Dam Amphitheater – Beaver Dam, KY 5/05 – Count Basie – Red Bank, NJ 5/06 – Wellmont – Montclair, NJ 5/08 – Wind Creek Casino – Bethlehem, PA 5/09 – Paramount – Huntington, NY 5/15 – Fallsview Casino – Niagara Falls, ON 5/20 – Brown County Music Center – Nashville, IN 5/22 – House of Blues – Dallas, TX 5/23 – Tobin Center – San Antonio, TX 5/24 – House of Blues – Houston, TX
Dave Murray was born in England back on December 23rd of 1956. Today, Dave turns 68 years old. Happy birthday Dave! As a lifelong guitarist for Iron Maiden, spanning five decades, Dave Murray has played on every studio and live album of theirs. A tried and true Metal legend is Dave Murray!
Graham Bonnet was born in England back on December 23rd of 1947. Today, Graham celebrates his 77th birthday. Happy birthday, Graham! An iconic Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal vocalist, going back to the late 1960’s, for such powerhouse bands as Rainbow, Michael Schenker Group, Alcatrazz, and Impellitteri. Graham Bonnet has also commanded a brilliant solo music career.
Canadian heavy psychedelic rock ensemble AAWKS has announced the release of their latest single, “Death Trip (Naglfar)“, a preview of their eagerly anticipated album On Through The Sky Maze scheduled for release on March 21, 2025. This new track is available now for fans who appreciate a blend of intense rock dynamics and mystical lyrical themes.
“Death Trip (Naglfar)” sets a bold tone for the upcoming album with its powerful lyrics and immersive soundscapes. The single reflects AAWKS‘ continued evolution, incorporating heavier riffs, grooves, and a compelling narrative of otherworldly voyages and cosmic battles. The band encourages listeners to delve into the track, whether they think they’re cool or not, with a tongue-in-cheek nod to their laid-back ethos.
Lyrics from the single paint a vivid picture: “Beware of these towering sails, This death ship is heavy with nails. Now is the time of the storm, These angry spirits begin to transform.”
AAWKS continues to captivate with their unique blend of stoner, doom, fuzz rock, and sludge, all while exploring fantastical themes. The upcoming album On Through The Sky Maze promises to take listeners on a darker journey through themes of the occult, life and death, and demonology. With the addition of new bassist and vocalist Ryan “Grimepup” Mailman, the album showcases a heavier and more intense version of AAWKS, perfect for those late-night hours spent in the shadows of forests and swamps.
About AAWKS: Hailing from the mysterious foothills of Kempenfelt Bay in Barrie Ontario Canada, AAWKS make heavy-psych, stoner-doom music. They mix melodic songwriting with pummeling riffs and grooves and their music is as influenced by newer bands such as MEPHISTOFELES, MONOLORD, WINDHAND and the MELVINS as it is by classic rock bands like BLACK SABBATH, PINK FLOYD and DEEP PURPLE.
They explore fantastical themes of the occult and spin tales of mind expansion and spaced out exploration of the multiverse. AAWKS released their debut full length album (((((HEAVY ON THE COSMIC))))) in June of 2022 on Black Throne Productions which landed at #2 on the Doom Charts that month.
In support of our new record “Leopard Skin” we will be touring heavily next year. Here is the first leg of the tour dates. Album will be released in the beginning of April . Come and join us on The Lucky MF’r Tour!!!
20TH AND 25TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR OF TO THE PAIN & STATEMENT
Nonpoint will be playing a handful of shows in January 2025, celebrating the 20th anniversary of To The Pain and the 25th anniversary of Statement. With special guests Crobot and Heartsick, this month-long run kicks off January 10th in Lakewood, Ohio. Tickets and VIP are now on sale at nonpoint.com!
1/10 – Lakewood, OH – The Roxy 1/11 – Pittsburgh, PA – Preserving Underground 1/12 – Louisville, KY – Mercury Ballroom 1/14 – Greensboro, NC – Hangar 1819 1/15 – North Chattanooga, TN – Barrelhouse Ballroom 1/17 – St. Petersburg, FL – Jannus Live 1/18 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Culture Room 1/19 – Orlando, FL – The Beacham 1/21 – Greenville, SC – Radio Room 1/22 – Virginia Beach, VA – Elevation 27 1/23 – Fredericksburg, VA – Hard Times Cafe/Four Mile Fork 1/25 – Columbus, OH – The King of Clubs
Another hot contender for taking the longest time to release new music, Hamburg’s own progressive rock/metal outfit EDEN CIRCUS are back with their new single ‘Cynics of Life‘.
10 years have now passed since the last album “Marula” by the five-piece northern German post-prog rockers EDEN CIRCUS. Since then, events have accelerated. First the band has to say goodbye to both guitarists, because Andi is leaving the band and guitarist Nils is moving to the Krupps. Not only are two important driving forces lost, but also the previous songwriting process.
After Waik and Dennis joined the band, they finally played a few gigs again and worked on the new album. Even before Covid paralyzes the entire music landscape, numerous other events turn the band’s everyday life upside down: people move, build houses and 2 1/2 recording studios, start families and new bands. Sometimes the five of them don’t see each other for weeks. But there was never any talk about quitting.
Because the rare rehearsals always clearly show that the band can still deliver. In addition, the new record is finished and, despite all the new commitments, no one has lost the joy of presenting their songs to an audience that celebrates their music on sweaty, beer-soaked club evenings. So here’s to something new!
We are very pleased to give you our 2025 show schedule so far:
16 Apr // BR, Brasília // Arena of Rock 19 Apr // BR, São Paulo // Monsters of Rock 24 Apr // CL, Santiago // Masters of Rock 30 Apr // CO, Cota // Monsters of Rock
24 May // NO, Kopervik // Kopervik Festival 07 Jun // FR, Maxeville // Heavy Weekend 21 Jun // NO, Steinkjer // Steinkjer Festival 28 Jun // SE, Nyköping // Hamnplan 03 Jul // SE, Borlänge // Alive Festival 06 Jul // ES, Chiclana // Concert Music Festival 08 Jul // ES, Marbella // Starlite Festival 10 Jul // ES, Murcia // Plaza de Toros de Murcia 15 Jul // IT, Bologna // Sequioe Music Park 16 Jul // IT, Altidona // Wondergate Music Festival 25 Jul // SE, Vadstena // Vadstena Slott 26 July // NO, Tønsberg // Foynhagen Concert Series Honørbrygga 01 Aug // SE, Karlskrona // Karlskrona Skärgårdsfest 02 Aug // SE, Arvika // Hamnfest
Finnish hard rock and metal legends LORDI are set to release their highly anticipated 19th studio album, Limited Deadition, on March 21, 2025 via Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM). The album is spearheaded by the electrifying lead single, “Syntax Terror,” a track that thrusts listeners into a game-like world with spacy melodies, thunderous riffs, and irresistibly catchy hooks.
Mr Lordi comments: “The writing of this song started out with its main keyboard riff. I played around with those mono sounds, trying to come up with something with a very 80s action movie opening score feel. ‘Syntax Terror’ actually almost became the album title, but then it was discovered that other people have had the same idea way before I did. On the verses I was thinking of JUDAS PRIEST, on the chorus of MANOWAR and – as icing on the cake – Udo Dirkschneider-type of screams to belch out the title. Don’t ask what the lyrics are about. ‘Syntax Terror’ is a very 80s heavy metal style song, painting abstract pictures with every line!”
Already generating excitement among fans, the single promises to be a highlight in LORDI‘s monstrous catalog. Pre-orders are available here: https://lordi.rpm.link/limiteddeaditionPR
Known for their theatrical style and unique blend of 80s-inspired rock and heavy metal, LORDI‘s latest creation is a nostalgic celebration of retro 80s toys, infused with a fresh and powerful energy. Building on the success of their 2023 album Screem Writers Guild,Limited Deadition ventures into heavier riffs and faster tempos, creating a soundscape that is both familiar and invigorating.
Recorded at IluSound Studio and Finnvox Studios in Helsinki, Limited Deaditionwas produced by Mr Lordi, mixed by Ilkka Herkman, and mastered by Pauli Saastamoinen. As always, Mr Lordi took charge of the album’s striking artwork and layout, channeling his passion for 80s memorabilia into every detail. “It’s some kind of sibling album to its predecessor,” Mr Lordi explains. “We’re still walking the path of AOR-inspired music, but this time, with a more metal touch in terms of riffs and tempo. We’ve always written what felt right and natural, and this album is no exception.”
The thematic heart of Limited Deadition lies in Mr Lordi’s lifelong obsession with collecting, inspired by the action figures and toys of his childhood. “The album topic of 80s toys is actually just a loose theme, but it’s been accompanying me since I was little. I’ve always been a collector of various stuff, and I’m even some kind of a hoarder. I can’t even remember which my first own toy was, but my obsession basically started with “Muppet Show” dolls, followed by “Star Wars” and “E.T.” figures, with the latter actually being my favourite movie of all time.”
The album opens with “SCG XIX The Hexecutioners,” setting the stage for an exciting blend of cinematic and melodic heavy rock. Tracks like “Legends Are Made Of Clichés” and “Skelephant In The Room” highlight LORDI‘s knack for creating larger-than-life anthems. Meanwhile, the poignant ballad “Collectable” reflects on the fleeting value of physical objects in a digital world, while the title track, Limited Deadition, makes a bold statement celebrating collectors and their passion.
To support the release, LORDI will embark on a global Limited Deadition tour, beginning in Finland and expanding internationally. Fans can expect a monstrous spectacle, complete with new tricks and surprises.
Limited Deadition will be available on all major streaming platforms and in physical formats on March 21, 2025. Pre-orders for the album and tour tickets are now live. With the explosive single “Syntax Terror” already setting the tone, fans can prepare for an unforgettable addition to the LORDIverse.
Get ready to unleash the monster within – Limited Deadition is coming!
LORDI are: Mr Lordi | vocals Kone | guitars Hiisi | bass Hella | keyboard Mana | drums
LORDI live:
21.03.2025 FI Tampere – Tavara-asema 22.03.2025 FI Helsinki – Tavastia-klubi 25.03.2025 PL Warsaw – Progresja 26.03.2025 PL Gdansk – B90 28.03.2025 NL Amstelveen – P60 29.03.2025 NL Drachten – Poppoadium Iduna 30.03.2025 NL Sittard – Poppodium Volt 02.04.2025 UK Wolverhampton – Wulfrun Hall 03.04.2025 UK Newcastle – NX 05.04.2025 UK Manchester – Academy 2 06.04.2025 UK Glasgow – Galvanizers SWG3 08.04.2025 UK London – Islington Assembly Hall 09.04.2025 UK Bristol – SWX 11.04.2025 FR Savigny-le-Temple – L’Empreinte 12.04.2025 FR Saint-Lô – Le Normandy 13.04.2025 BE Sint-Niklaas – De Casino 15.04.2025 FR Lyon (Villeurbanne) – La Rayonne 16.04.2025 FR Strasbourg (Ostwald) – Le Point d’Eau 17.04.2025 FR Montbéliard – L’Axone
Nearly five years after the release of #13, Swiss rockers GOTTHARD are making a powerful comeback with their highly anticipated new album, Stereo Crush, set to release on March 21, 2025, via Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM).
To mark the announcement, the band has unveiled their latest single, “Boom Boom“. This high-energy anthem not only celebrates the album announcement but also offers a dynamic preview of the signature sound fans can expect from Stereo Crush.
Guitar duo Leo Leoni and Freddy Scherer ignite the track with heavy riffs that haven’t been heard in the GOTTHARD realm for quite some time. The remarkable rhythm section, powered by bassist Marc Lynn and drummer Flavio Mezzodi, propels the Swiss express forward with relentless energy, while frontman Nic Maeder masterfully commands the journey through hard rock territory with his powerful and charismatic vocals. Building up to an irresistibly catchy chorus, it’s clear to all that this is a new GOTTHARD classic in the making.
Leo Leoni explains the personal meaning of the song: “I wrote it when I found out that we were expecting a child. The birth of my son Gabriel was a moment that completely changed my life. When I hold him in my arms, look into his eyes or see his smile, I feel an indescribable love and deep gratitude. This song is my way of expressing all these feelings for him.”
Produced and mixed by long-time partner Charlie Bauerfeind, who’s known for his work with the likes of HELLOWEEN and BLIND GUARDIAN, alongside founding member Leo Leoni at Yellowhouse Studio, and mastered by Sascha “Busy” Bühren (TrueBusyness), Stereo Crush promises to set new standards which will additionally come to shine on the band’s forthcoming touring cycle.
GOTTHARD will open it with a tour in May, accompanied by special guests Y&T, before the quintet head to select festivals as well as the stages of their home country at the end of 2025. The band’s current live schedule and ticket info can be found below!
Photo credit: Manuel Schütz
L-R: Freddy Scherer (guitars), Marc Lynn (bass) Nic Maeder (vocals), Flavio Mezzodi (drums), Leo Leoni (guitars)
Fans should also mark January 17 of next year in their calendars as Stereo Crush pre-orders will officially be launched on that date. One thing’s for sure: Even in 2025, there won’t be a way around GOTTHARD for the worldwide hard rock community!
“Stereo Crush” Tour 2025 Special Guests: Y&T Presented by Metal Hammer, Classic Rock, musix, Rock Antenne & powermetal.de
23.05.2025 DE Bochum – RuhrCongress 24.05.2025 DE Geiselwind – Music Hall 25.05.2025 DE Frankfurt – Batschkapp 27.05.2025 DE Hamburg – Große Freiheit 36 29.05.2025 DE Munich – Circus Krone 30.05.2025 DE Filderstadt – FILharmonie 31.05.2025 AT Telfs – Rathaussaal
More upcoming GOTTHARD live dates:
27.06.2025 CH Basel – Summerstage *NEW* 22.07.2025 DE Regensburg – Piazza im Gewerbepark *NEW* 12. – 14.06.2025 ES Zamora – Z! Live Rock 19.12.2025 CH Bern – Neue Festhalle *NEW* 20.12.2025 CH Zurich – The Hall *NEW*
Australian masters of metal TERAMAZE have returned with a brand new single and video titled “Bullet To A Pharaoh” out today! Mastered by Ted Jensen (Metallica, Nickelback, Alice In Chains), the heavy hitting new song follows the band’s heralded, 11th album, Eli: A Wonderful Fall From Grace, that was released earlier this year via Wells Music.
With the release of “Bullet to a Pharaoh”, Teramaze heralds a new era, seamlessly fusing titan-heavy riffs with unforgettable pop hooks, that also resonate deeply within the core of their sound. This exhilarating anthem signifies a powerful return to a more riff-centric metal structure, reminiscent of the 2012 album release Anhedonia. This track beautiful honors their roots, while courageously venturing into uncharted territory.
Commenting on the new single, founding guitarist/singer Dean Wells says:
“Bullet to a Pharaoh’ feels like a fresh chapter for Teramaze, blending new directions while staying true to our metal roots and those big, anthemic choruses. It’s one of many tracks we’ve written for what could be a double album, set to unfold over the next six months. After disbanding Meshiaak, I realized I needed to inject more of that pure metal energy back into Teramaze. It’s been one of the most exciting and fulfilling songwriting experiences we’ve had in years. Adding more of our metal side into the new material has pushed us to think and create differently, and I truly believe the results will speak for themselves. ‘Bullet to a Pharaoh’ is just a glimpse of what’s to come.”
Teramaze is a powerhouse metal band that delivers a hard-hitting sound reminiscent of giants like Metallica, Sevendust, Avenged Sevenfold, and Breaking Benjamin. Not only are they known for their intense riffs and soaring melodies, but they also stand out as one of the hardest-working bands in the scene, consistently pushing the boundaries of their sound. With a prolific output of albums in recent years, Teramaze seamlessly blends progressive and pop elements with their heavy metal foundation, creating a unique clash that keeps fans on their toes.
Their relentless dedication to songwriting and performance is evident in every release, showcasing their evolution while staying true to their metal roots. With powerful vocals and intricate instrumentation, Teramaze crafts anthems that resonate with both heart and intensity. Get ready to rock hard and experience the energetic fusion that is Teramaze—where passion meets perseverance!
Teramaze’s latest album, Eli: A Wonderful Fall from Grace, features spellbinding tracks like “Standing Ovation” and “Step Right Up,” and is the final chapter in their Halo trilogy, following the storylines of 2015’s Her Halo and 2021’s Sorella Minore. The record further showcases the band’s evolution as a band and solidifies their status as one of the most diverse and conceptual acts in modern progressive metal.
In 2023 Teramaze played some great live shows, most notably, supporting Swedish metal outfit Avatar and headlining Prog Power Europe festival in the Netherlands.
There’s No Such Things As Monsters Tour – Wednesday 13, The Dead Rabbitts, & I Ya Toyah – ticket/tour info: http://www.officialwednesday13.com
03/14/25: Las Vegas, NV @ Count’s Vamp’d 03/15/25: Los Angeles, CA @ The Whisky 03/16/25: Berkeley, CA @ Cornerstone 03/18/25: Portland, OR @ Bossanova Ballroom 03/19/25: Seattle, WA @ El Corazon 03/21/25: Roseville, CA @ Goldfield Trading Post 03/22/25: Pomona, CA @ Glass House 03/23/25: San Diego, CA @ Brick By Brick 03/25/25: Mesa, AZ @ The Nile Theater 03/26/25: Albuquerque, NM @ Launch Pad 03/28/25: San Antonio, TX @ Paper Tiger 03/29/25: Dallas, TX @ Trees 03/30/25: Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live 04/01/25: Birmingham, AL @ Saturn 04/02/25: Knoxville, TN @ Open Chord 04/04/25: Atlanta, GA @ The Loft @ Centerstage 04/05/25: Raleigh, NC @ Chapel Of Bones 04/06/25: Greenville, SC @ Radio Room 04/08/25: Baltimore, MD @ Zen West 04/09/25: Leesburg, VA @ Tally Ho 04/10/25: Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom 04/12/25: Hampton Beach, NH @ Wallys 04/13/25: Montreal, QC @ Foufounes Electrique 04/15/25: Toronto, ON @ Lee’s Palace 04/16/25: Buffalo, NY @ Rec Room 04/18/25: New York, NY @ The Gramercy 04/19/25: Stroudsburg, PA @ Sherman Theater 04/20/25: Lititz, PA @ Mickey’s Black Box 04/22/25: Pittsburgh, PA @ Crafthouse 04/23/25: Cleveland, OH @ Mercury 04/25/25: Columbus, OH @ The Kings Of Clubs 04/26/25: Flint, MI @ Machine Shop 04/27/25: Cadillac, MI @ Venue Event Center 04/29/25: Joliet, IL @ The Forge 04/30/25: Madison, WI @ The Annex 05/02/25: Denver, CO @ Oriental Theater 05/03/25: Colorado Springs, CO @ Black Sheep
Finnish hard rock band Rimbacher released their debut album High Hopes On The Rocks on November 1st via Inverse Records. The album presents classic AOR vibes, 80’s stadium rock sized attitude and also some hard straighforward rock and roll. The skillful band seasons their music with spices like powerful vocal harmonies, catchy melodies and classical art of guitar heroism.
“High Hopes On The Rocks is a very traditional classic rock album including tight brawl and love songs. The atmosphere revolves around big riffs and guitar heroism combined with very melodic and harmonic vocals. The lyrical themes are either timeless stories about the struggles of a sensitive narrator as well as having fun. The soundscape itself has very high energy and spirit throughout the whole album and the songs are delightfully diverse compared to each other. However the the core essence stays solid and the band’s enthusiasm is well heard.”
Guitar player Osku “Sticky” Kilpi continues:
”This album is what we think rock ’n’ roll is all about: plain, simple and straightforward hard rock with all the ups and downs of a typical rock album. No politics, no exceptions, no bulls**t.”
If you’re a band or musician and would like your music reviewed or be interviewed by Stone, please click the link under the “ALBUM REVIEWS ARCHIVES” section below!
Metal Odyssey's Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Hall of Fame! These Are The Rock And METAL Legends Wrongfully Ignored By "The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame"
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